When we arrived we were given a schedule for the day (or a "tofes tiyulim" for you israeli people). We were actually impressed. We were so used to hospitals finding every way possible to make you get lost, we were shocked that the nurses were very on top of us all day. When we finished one thing, they made sure the next thing was ready to go. So here's a list of today's events:
1 - The E.K.G. That I mentioned before. Hard to believe in 2014 we are still using tools that look like they were developed in communist russia. But that may just be a socialist medicine thing.
2 - Getting the room. We were not pleased to find our room has two other inhabitants. Not to mention that they are of a different Middle Eastern ethnic variety. Plus she's snoring now. But, what can you expect? We were very pleased to find out that we wont be here again until the baby is out of ICU.
3 - The Xray. Norman (we call the baby Norman) didn't like holding his head up straight. He prefered to look sideways. We made it through. They had some interesting artwork on the walls. Xrays of cellphones, mixers, watches and milk bottles. Cool concept!
4 - Doctors and nurses meetings:
a - We started with the anesthesiologist. I have to admit, I've never met an anesthesiologist who is a fun and exciting guy. Either its an occupational hazard or I've met the wrong anesthesiologists. But this guy had the bedside manner of a brick wall. Not to say we wasn't a nice guy. He was. I also think he is a mountain biker - he had a large scab on his arm - he must have fallen off a bike. But he was very clear about the procedures involved, we talked about when to stop feeding the baby (not later than 4am) and we talked about how the anesthesia will work. Norman will also be in an induced coma state for a few days following the surgery. Signed the form. Good luck.
b - We spoke for a while with the nurse. (I got scolded for using the meeting room for personal blogging time, but to be fair... there really isn't anywhere else to sit!) She did a medical background (that must be the 27th time since Norman was born), and then we discussed how the unit will work once surgery is over. At first we didn't like her, but she started to grow on us. Turns out, she doesn't talk very much, but she is very nice. Also, she's Arab, so there's that too. We got a tour of the ICU and learned that beyond sitting watching your baby sleeping, there is nothing for a parent to do until he is released from the ICU. This turned about to be good news for Fraidy and myself, since that means we can go sleep in the apartment at nights, and get much needed rest. (We aren't allowed to sleep in the ICU).
c - We met with Dr George Francis, the "surgeon". This was by far the highlight of our day. He was kind, patient and fun to talk to. Not in a joking way, more like we can ask him anything and he answered seriously, honestly and waited till we understood. (Even when I got his Hebrew wrong, he explained it again in a slower more concise Hebrew). We talked about what he will do during surgery, and some of the risks. We talked about post surgery, and some of the not so pleasant details about the first few days after surgery. We were very pleased with him, and look forward... well no... we are ready, as ready as we can be, to give him our son to slice him up, fix him, and put him back together.
Some thoughts from the day...
- There's an art museum in Belinson! The hospital next door has an extensive art display. Its really nice. Not to mention a very relaxing sculpture garden. Its really very nice.
- Hospitals in Israel don't do enough to make parents comfortable. A horrible bed/chair next to the baby, with the possibility of maybe getting linen (maybe not....) fit for only one parent, is not a positive experience. I know hospitals aren't meant to make people comfortable, but at least don't torture them. Once the baby is in ICU, the parents don't have many options for sleeping. There is a terrible "parent's room" which I am sleeping in tonight. I will not discuss it.
- I like that there are more than 3 minyanim a day here. Its nice.
- Fraidy and I were extremely impressed with how patient the staff is here with parents. They sit down and don't leave until the parents are satisfied all questions have been answered and discussed. Then they sign the papers. If you have to slice up your kid, this is the way to do it.
- Hospital rooms are hot.
- Its weird to sleep in rooms with complete strangers who are only inches away from you.
- Its disconcerting to not be able to sleep next to your baby in the ICU. I understand it, but its hard to leave the baby here alone.
- Truncus is more rare than I thought. Dr Francis said they only do 2 or 3 a year.
- We are touched, honored and pleased by all the tehillim and learning being organized. Thank you so much!
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